Ah, George Street; it's where history meets trendiness, and where my sister and I found ourselves ravenously hungry on a gorgeous Sunday evening. Following a long day of shopping, we were in search of a laid-back spot with fantastic tunes, exceptional service, and delectable dishes. And, of course, the acclaimed Browns Brasserie & Bar in Edinburgh fit the bill perfectly.
Elegant interiors and a warm atmosphere - it's exactly what the doctor ordered.
As you enter, the restaurant unveils a surprising spaciousness, extending much further than its facade suggests. To the left, a stunning bar beckons, while seating by the windows offers a front-row view of the world passing by. When you visit, definitely ask for the window seat (prime real estate for avid people-watchers such as us).
We kicked off with a few tipples, because why not? Brown’s menu reads like a cocktail encyclopedia - from classic sips to fruity mixes, there's something for everyone, even the picky ones. My sister chose a sophisticated classic bellini (£10), made using prosecco and white peach puree, while I flirted with the Berries & Basil (£11), which married Sipsmith London dry gin, raspberries, cranberries, lemon and basil. Spoiler alert: They were so tantalisingly good, they barely touched the sides on the way down.
We thoroughly enjoyed all our dishes from Browns' a la carte menu.
Kudos to the chef for shining the spotlight on fresh, seasonal ingredients - it's precisely why we adored Browns' Edinburgh menu. My sister started with the teriyaki chicken skewers (£8.95) and they were so scrumptious they could outshine some Asian restaurants. As for me, I indulged in the charred fig, whipped goat cheese and beetroot salad (£8.25). What a flavourful dish; the nuanced beetroot selection and clever layering (hello, delightful pine nuts) served up a dish that was both beautifully simple and deliciously unexpected.
Onto the star of the show - the main course. I indulged in my favourite tradition: the Sunday roast (£19.95), choosing the succulent sirloin beef. Let me tell you, it was a plateful. I've crowned myself a Sunday roast aficionado, and this one's vying for top honours. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the gravy luscious, and that Yorkshire pudding? Mammoth, just as it should be. Meanwhile, my sister opted for the hefty 70oz fillet steak (£30.95) draped in bearnaise sauce. Pure lean perfection and bursting with flavour, it showcased its premium quality. On the side, we picked the inviting roast beetroot, feta and basil (£4.25), which added a nice healthy dose of our veg to our otherwise very meaty spread.
The Sunday roast at our Browns Edinburgh booking was an absolute treat.
Did we have any space left for dessert? Well, it's us, so naturally. I zeroed in on the salted caramel profiteroles (£7.95), which arrived looking like art on a plate. Wrapped in chocolate, each bite burst with creamy salted caramel goodness, making it utterly delightful. My sister delved into the creme brûlée (£7.95) – a silky, creamy treat that struck the right balance of indulgence. To finish the evening, we had a final cocktail. In celebration of Browns' 50-year anniversary, we both tried the Lemon Bon Bon (£13 each) – a zesty tribute to decades of culinary magic (and a perfect palette cleanser), created with Sipsmith gin, vanilla, lemon and Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne.
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Browns ticks all the right boxes: a prime location, elegant decor, and an expansive menu brimming with fresh ingredients. With its spacious interior and ample seating, it's also perfect for those impromptu drink stops. So, if you ever find yourself wandering the iconic streets of Edinburgh, lured in by its history, charm (and the occasional bagpiper), make sure you swing by this restaurant on George Street. Come for the view, stay for the roast. Or the cocktails. Or, well, everything.
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💰 The damage: Around £150 for two plus service. 📍 The location: 31-133 George Street, EH2 4JS. 👌 Perfect for: Long lunches, date nights, business meetings and formal dinners. ⭐ Need to know: Grab a seat by the window to enjoy a gorgeous view of the streets outside. |
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